red lion inn blog

Today is a day of celebration across the nation. In craft breweries, re-appropriated basements, and esteemed bars throughout the land beer drinkers are celebrating National IPA day. For those unfamiliar, IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which is a beer with a traditionally hoppier flavor. The story behind this ale is beers that were heavy on the hops fared rather well after the journey from the United Kingdom to India. So “pale ale as prepared for India” came to be!

At The Red Lion Inn we have many craft and local beers available on draught, or in the can or bottle. In celebration of IPAs we thought we would give you readers a little background on the IPAs we have in our three bars.

Wandering Star Catnip White IPA

This IPA comes from the Wandering Star Brewery in Pittsfield Massachusetts. It is a light-colored, deceptively strong and hoppy beer with grapefruit and pine hop flavors and a refreshing tartness and ‘funk’ from the Belgian Wit yeast. According to guys over at Wandering Star, the unusual name comes from their brewery cat Fuggle, and how happy catnip makes him. This white IPA wins Simon’s pick for some reason…

Big Elm Brewery IPA

If the name Big Elm Brewery sounds familiar, you probably read our earlier post about the Lion’s Ale they produced just for us. We liked that so much we have some of the Sheffield, MA breweries other beers at our bars. This one is served in a chilled can. Their website describes it best: “Our handcrafted IPA is generously hopped, subtly assertive, and decidedly balanced.” Pick up a cold one with a chilled glass, or just sip on it from the can (that’s the way we prefer it.)

Berkshire Brewing Company Lost Sailor IPA

Based on the history of India Pale Ales, the BBC selection probably has the most appropriate name. Plus any lost sailor wouldn’t be so bad off if they had a barrel of this well-rounded, medium bodied beer, with floral and aromatic hints.

However you choose to celebrate National IPA day, stop by any time at any of our bars; the Widow Bingham’s Tavern, Back of the Bank, the Lion’s Den, or on the Front Porch!